Family Equality Council Issues Challenge to American People Following Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote

Family Equality Council Issues Challenge to American People Following Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote

October 6, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the confirmation of President Trump’s nominee Brett Kavanaugh to be the next Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, Family Equality Council CEO Rev. Stan J. Sloan issued the following statement:

“Ever since President Trump announced his nomination, Family Equality Council has opposed Brett Kavanaugh as the next Associate Justice for the United States Supreme Court, on behalf of LGBTQ families across the country. We made clear that at this divisive moment in our nation’s history, we need a fair-minded, impartial justice without political or ideological motivations who will uphold the values and protections enshrined in our constitution. Based on his record, we did not believe Kavanaugh fit that description, and we joined with hundreds of thousands of people across the country voicing our opposition to his nomination. As the confirmation process proceeded, the list of reasons to oppose Kavanaugh’s nomination only grew. Credible sexual assault allegations, a willingness to lie under oath, and a lack of impartiality and judicial temperament became clear, and at every turn, the Trump administration and Senate leadership failed to listen to the concerns of the American people. Today, this process ended with a vote to confirm Kavanaugh on the slimmest of majorities, in the face of bipartisan opposition.

“Today, we recognize the deep disappointment and fear many Americans are feeling, and acknowledge the specific fears of the LGBTQ community as the Justice joining the Supreme Court has a record that indicates he would undercut our rights, uphold discrimination against our community, and allow President Trump’s anti-LGBTQ agenda to withstand judicial scrutiny.

“We thank Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez, Julie Swetnick, and all other survivors who bravely shared their stories in an effort to achieve justice on behalf of survivors of sexual violence in the country. We thank Senator Lisa Murkowski for showing the strength of her convictions and opposing Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

“Looking to tomorrow, and the coming months, we issue two challenges. First, to the American people, and to our community of LGBTQ families, if you oppose the actions of your elected officials, show up on November 6 and vote. Make sure your voice is heard. And second, to Justice Kavanaugh: we challenge you to cast aside partisan politics and do your job: uphold the values and protections enshrined in the Constitution, for ALL Americans.”

About Family Equality Council

Family Equality Council advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality Council believes every LGBTQ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.